I lie here in the dark of the hotel room listening to the rhythmic patterns of the 2 cpap machines working vigorously as my family sleeps in the other bed. I've been awake for 85 minutes, waiting for the dawn of a new adventure. In 72 minutes I'll get up, get ready, and head to Montezuma Pass to start the AZT. Upon reaching the pass, my introduction to the AZT will come with a bang as I begin the 6 mile hike up Miller Peak gaining +3k ft of elevation. Interestingly but unplanned, I begin the journey with a few companions. Bryce Wilkinson who I met at Cinco several years ago in Portland, Adam Irwin who I unexpectedly met online a month ago in the AZT FB group, and Adam's dog midnight. It's always strange starting a big trip whether it's international or a long distance hike. I no longer seem to get butterflies or the pitter patter of the unknown. However I find myself wide awake 95 minutes after I first awoke, waiting the last 3 minutes until my alarm signals the challenge ahead. I've attached a couple pictures from our last stop at Rachael's knoll in Sedona.
After years of waiting, I'm on my way to Mexico!!! To say I'm exhausted is an understatement! It's crazy how much work and planning goes into preparing for a thru hike before you even get to the terminus. Days and days and days of planning resupplies, studying maps and saving up money to become homeless (ironic right?). On top of all of that I officially launched my YouTube channel today (Traversity). My project partner Zac and I have been busting our asses for this and it feels good to finally get feedback on our work... so far really positive ?? In 5 days I'll start on the AZT and life as I'd known it will be completely different. It's weird, over the last couple weeks I've had the feeling of so many lasts. Last day at work, last day sleeping in my bed, last day driving a car, and so on... I'm really excited about what's to come, but anticipation of the unknown always makes me a bit queasy. My mind seems to be transitioning well. I must have jumped at perceived but imaginary rattlesnakes at least 3 times this week. The hamper snake led to a brief stumble I was glad no one saw. Good to have these last few days with family to relax and enjoy the calm before the storm.
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